Season in Review

Clemson

22-12 (9-7 ACC)

Like Boston College, you'd have to say this season was a pleasant surprise for Clemson. Even coming off a string of three consecutive NCAA Tournament berths, not a whole lot was expected of this team. They had a fairly unknown commodity in Coach Brad Brownell, who was coming from Wright State. Their best player, Trevor Booker, was gone. And the Tigers came out of the gate a bit cold - they lost four games early in the season. But Clemson was able to turn it around by the end of the year. They played very well down the stretch, going from a team off the bubble to one that played its way into the NCAA Tournament.

The best player for Clemson this year was Demontez Stitt. The senior guard led the team in scoring and had the ability to knock down big shots. The team wasn't just about one player though: six players averaged at least 7.8 points per game. And Clemson was able to play lockdown defense, changing from that pressing style of Oliver Purnell to a more tight man-to-man.

Biggest Win:

70-47 vs. Boston College on 3/11 (ACC Tournament Quarterfinals)

What I had as BC's worst loss is Clemson's biggest win. Many people saw this game as a winner is in, loser is out of the NCAA Tournament. And that's how it ended up playing out. Clemson played perhaps its best game of the year in this one, beating up on BC from the very start. They used this momentum in another solid game against UNC in the semis, just running out of steam at the end.

Worst Loss:

49-47 at Virginia on 2/2

It's not the fact that they lost in Charlottesville, because Virginia was not that bad of a team. But this game was ugly with a capital U. Clemson was actually down big with horrendous offensive numbers for much of the game before mounting a late rally to make it close. I'm sure Coach Brownell would agree this was probably their worst performance.

Postseason Play:

Clemson played very well in the postseason. After earning a #4 seed in the ACC Tournament, they beat up on #5 seed Boston College. Then they took on UNC in a virtual road game and had a great game, only to fall in overtime. Clemson then got into the dreaded play-in game in the NCAA Tournament and beat up on a UAB team that was overmatched. They had a very quick turnaround against #5 seed West Virginia and actually had a healthy lead through much of the first half but tired down the stretch and ended up losing by 8.

Looking Ahead:

You have to like what Coach Brownell did this year with a group that wasn't his own players. Next year should be set up pretty well, as the Tigers don't lose too much. Stitt and Jerai Grant do graduate. They represent the team's top two scorers this year. But the Tigers do return an emerging talent in Milton Jennings. Andre Young needs to continue to grow as a shooter, as he will be the main outside game next year. And expect a good year out of Devin Booker (Trevor's brother). If Tanner Smith can become a more consistent scorer in the backcourt Clemson should be in good shape to make a fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament.